Scott's Travel Newsletter #20

This is the 20th edition of the newsletter, 39 months after walking out of my cubicle in West Greenwich, Rhode Island!

I must apologize for the recent recent lack of newsletters and/or blog updates from yours truly. Although, I have been posting photos regularly on Picasaweb. (you might not see any new photos for a while, since my camera got stolen during Carnival here in St. Vincent)

The past month has been the most challenging of my Peace Corps experience to date (for several reasons). This newsletter is dedicated to the love and compassion of my grandma, who passed from this life on Friday, 26JUN2009. I will always remember her wonderful stories of all things New England. Thanks to my Grandpa and other relatives who made my brief trip home for the funeral possible. As I re-embark on my work in St. Vincent, I feel re-energized, lucky and happy. I have once again experienced the amazing love and support of my family and friends, which is something that can be difficult to fully appreciate. Things are going really well for me at the moment.

By the way, you are all invited to come visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For you budget travelers, I have a 3-bedroom apartment where you can crash for FREE!

Since it has been so long since my last newsletter (Nov 2008), I'll list many of the important experiences of the past 8 months:

November/December:

-Thanksgiving at the Taiwanese Embassy.

-Trip to St. Lucia.

-Hiking La Soufriere Volcano.

-Xmas gift baskets for disadvantaged families.

-9 Mornings Christmas celebrations

-Xmas in Chateaubelair, New Years In Bequia.

January/February:

-Establishment of computer and sports schedules at Liberty Lodge Boys Training Center.

-Spanish classes at the Venezuelan Embassy

-Making my own cutting broad and shelf, with instruction from a couple of the Liberty Lodge boys.

-Banana farming with Shawn and the Fair Trade Farmers

-Being "introduced" to the Prime Minister (funniest thing that's happened to me in SVG)

-Watching Obama's Inauguration at LLBTC

-Assisting the Helping Hands Center with getting their own Peace Corps Volunteer.

-Hiking the volcano for a 2nd time, this time as a "tour guide"

-Switching from working with once HIV/AIDS community organization to another

-Paula and Laird's Going-Away events.

-1st boy at Liberty Lodge to learn touch typing in my IT class.

-Fenton Mountain Hikes w/Mark and Laird

March/April:

-Owia Salt Ponds

-Yacht Weekend in Bequia

-Mt. St.Andrew Hike w/the boys

-Earth Day Hikes

-National Heroes Sports Day

-Special Needs Sports Day

-Bizarre Raja Yoga classes

May/June:

-1st Table Tennis match for the boys against another school.

-2 Hospital visits in just over a week (luckily, both people were fine)

-Planting fruit trees with Ann and JEMS.

-My first time getting approval for a project grant.

July:

-Brief visit home (Emma's, Grasshopper, Fireside Grille, Tortilla Flats, and hanging out with Grandpa)

-Carnival - helping backstage, getting punched, getting my camera pick-pocketed, enjoying the Street Jump-up and Mardi Gras parade, street party in Greggs.

-Men As Partners (in the fight against HIV/AIDS) Workshop - the best workshop/training ever!

-Hanging out w/Ann and her friend, chilling in Brighton, and my 2nd trip to the Botanical Gardens.

Ongoing/Random activities:

-Arts and Crafts - Coconut Shells, Job Sage beads, and Boleys

-Care packages from family/friends

-Growing everything I can squeeze in my little garden (corn, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, etc.)

-Various Volunteer Parties (Marco's Bday, Mexiganza, etc.)

-Friends and family who cried on my shoulder.

-Baking cookies/cooking/roasting

-Trying new foods all the time. My favorites are Ital food, doubles and roti.

-Watching the Daily Show, the Pats and Red Sox on the Internet.

-Baseball, soccer, table tennis, cricket, and running.

-Picking fruit (mangoes, guavas, papaya, etc.)

-Saying "Hi" to all my neighbors every day.

-Constantly seeing people I know in Kingstown.

There is now information about the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Center on the St. Vincent government website :

http://www.gov.vc/Govt/Government/Executive/Ministries/SocialDevelopmentEtc/SocialDevelopment/SocialDev.asp?z=144&a=2125

Respect and one love,
Scott Sharland

US Peace Corps Volunteer
St. Vincent and the Grenadines

-"You can't smooth out the entire earth to make it easier to walk on with your bare feet, but by wearing shoes you protect yourself from rough, unpleasant surfaces." - Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

www.morepeacecorps.org

Table Tennis Practice

During table tennis practice today, one of the boys at the center asked me if I wanted to go to heaven. After I told him "yes," he said, "Me too. You and I can play table tennis every day there." Talk about a huge turnaround from the previous day, which was a disaster.

Today was the worst day of my Peace Corps experience

10NOV08 to 16NOV08 - Bequia

Monday - I rode the vans to Layou for a meeting with the Community Development Officers and some PC Volunteers. Since the Layou Resource Center was locked, we had to move to the Police Station's court room to hold the meeting.
Afterwards, I went grocery shopping. As is common in St. Vincent, I went to 3 different shops to get what I needed. And I only had about 5 things on my shopping list! Back at Liberty Lodge, I was able to complete the cleaning of the computer lab. It is now ready to be put back together on Tuesday!
Jarod came by my place, and we played American football in the street with Kerene and Kimberly. Then Uncle Ben conducted an exercise class for us in his driveway/roof. It was fun to see people's reaction as they walked by us. "Tantie" Stephanie gave me some fried (and roasted) breadfruit as I was leaving. It was my first chance to try it, and it was tasty.
Tuesday - In the morning, one of the boys at Liberty Lodge helped me put the computer lab back together. I brought 4 boys over to the Green Hill Hardcourt for basketball practice. The other coach didn't show up. I introduced them to the the game "pig." Afterwards, I played tennis with Mr. Akers. It was a difficult, but fun, 5 hour stretch of sports. Chesley called, and we went to a birthday party for one of the 4-H Club members. They had some nice carrot cake to celebrate, and also a candy called a tomato ball. One of her friends got really drunk, and the party ended abruptly.
Wednesday - Meeting w/SVGPLUS and Liberty Lodge Staff to discuss the Safe Health Practices project plan for the boys. 

Thursday - Went to Peace Corps Office to have meeting about applying for additional Peace Corps Response Volunteers in SVG. 

Friday - Noah came over and we talked about music for hours. 

Saturday - Took the morning ferry to Bequia with Noah, Shelby, Brandon, and Bethany. We checked into Keegan's Hotel, and went swimming. Then Kate and Dane had their wedding ceremony on Princess Margaret Beach. Then we went to a fancy bar, washed up back at the hotel, then headed into "town." We had Mexican food at Tommy's Cantina. My first taste of Mexican food in months...luckily there are plenty of delicious food options in St. Vincent. Then we went to the Salty Dog to celebrate the wedding and Todd's birthday. At the end of the night, I ended up sleeping on a cushion on the floor next to a window, since all the beds were taken. Everytime it rained during the night, water kept dripping on me. 

Sunday - Took the early morning ferry back to Kingstown after waking around Bequia for a while. Upon returning, I noticed that Foodcity was open on a Sunday, so I did some grocery shopping. I was not able to get a van back up to Green Hill, so I had to lug my groceries up the hill. I had a nice lunch with Eileen and family, and then took it easy the rest of the afternoon. The GHSCC meeting I was supposed to go to ended up being cancelled. 

Week of 03NOV - Election Week!

Monday - after spending most of the day cleaning the fungus/mold out of the computer lab at Liberty Lodge, I went in town to shop. It was my landlord's birthday, so I got her a couple of things. I also stopped by Todd's place, since he had been sick with the flu. I delivered his presents to my landlord (who had once been his host mom).
Tuesday - ELECTION DAY! We had our 1st basketball practice with 8 of the boys from the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre. Coach Vasher Adams came from the Ministry of Sports to assist in coaching.

The US Ambassador to Barbados put on a nice party for us at The Attic Jazz Club in Kingstown. Most of the Peace Corps Volunteers were there, and we were all very happy with the result. As so many people are saying, I am very proud of the USA, it's people and it's future government. We stayed up to 3AM to watch Obama's speech and to discuss all the implications.
Wednesday - Slept late, following election night. I continued cleaning up in the computer lab. Afterward, I went to the National Tennis Center with Mr. Akers to play tennis again. He has won all 3 matches we have played!
Thursday - I attended an HIV/AIDS training seminar at the Marion House in Kingstown. There were about 7 other PC Volunteers there. At one point, they broke us up into groups for a game of charades. Our group had to act out the words "orgasm" and "sex worker." It was so funny.
Friday - Day 2 of the HIV/AIDS training. Everyone had the opportunity to practice putting a female condom on a plastic replica of the special parts of a woman. We had a role playing activity in the afternoon. My group had to act out that I was the American love interest of a Vincentian man with a wife and 3 kids. It was hard to keep a straight face during it, but a couple said that we acted it out pretty well.
After class, some of us went to DLime for a drink. Then we went to Heritage Sq for some liming. I ran into many people that I knew. Eventually, the Canadians showed up, and we went to a bar. Their boss was there, who was really fun to talk to. I walked back up to Green Hill, as I didn't want to wait for a van (bus) that wasn't full.
Saturday - I hiked up to the top of Fenton Mountain (the 2nd highest mountain in Green Hill). I saw a couple of hummingbirds along the way. It is one of the most quiet and peaceful places I have been so far here in St. Vincent. I got a great view of the Caribbean Sea, the village of Green Hill, and Port Charlotte. I could even see the town of Villa in the distance. On my walk back, it started pouring like crazy, and I got completely soaked. It felt nice after the hike.
Chesley came by in the evening, and we watched videos on YouTube, such as Obama's 1st press conference and Skinny Fabulous' Carnival performane.
Sunday - I got ready to go to church with Eileen (my landlord), but she wasn't going due to issues with her kitchen tile installation. She made a nice Sunday lunch for us. After chilling out with Todd and Courtney for a while, I brought my AMERICAN football up to Liberty Lodge. I took 7 of the boys over to the Green Hill courts for a practice and a scrimmage. It went well for possibly their 1st introduction to American Football.
I tried to do some ironing, but I almost started an electrical fire! I think that my iron's wattage is way to high for my step-down transformer. Oh well, I'll just have to have wrinkly clothes for 2 years!

Week of 10/27 - My Radio Debut

Monday - Went to the Independence Day Parade at Victoria Park with Noah and Laird. Saw Kim playing sax with the Royal Police Band. Afterwards, I saw him driving the big Police Band bus.
Tuesday - Had lunch at Ras Ital - all sorts of good things (corn polenta, chunks, rice, lentils, beans), plus Peanut Punch. Met with the coaches at the Ministry of Sports to plan for the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre's sports program.
Wednesday - Went on Nice Radio's Peace Corps Show. Todd and Mollie interviewed me about my background and what I am doing with Peace Corps. They played cheesy pop music in the background during the interview (such as Mr. Wendell, Bon Jovi and Backstreet Boys.) I walked up to Green Hill from town for the 6th straight day. Played Tennis with Mr. Akers at the National Tennis center in Calliaqua/Villa. Made macaroni and sweet potato soup with okra (ochro). Eileen brought down some freshly made cherry juice for me (nothing like American cherries). Yum yum.
Thursday - Attended Youth Awards at French's House. They had a steel pan duo play for us, including Bob Marley's "Redemption Song". They also had a group from Rose Hall play a couple of songs on Djembe drums.
Friday - Villaween Party at Laird + Paula's place. I went as a cricket player (has anyone heard of Freddie Flintoff??). There were many great costumes (considering you can't buy them here), including Sarah Palin, a jumbi (ghost), a van, a van conductor, and bottles of Piton and Hairoun beer. We had brownies, candy, taco dip, and cake for Shannon's birthday. We also bobbed for apples, which might be the 1st time I have ever done that.
Saturday - Swam to Fort Duvernette and Young Island with Steve, Shannon, and Laird. It was the longest swim I have ever done in my life. When we got to Fort Duvernette, we hiked to the top for an amazing 360 degree-view. I spent the afternoon relaxing with Paula, Laird and some of the kids who live near them.
Went to New Montrose graveyard to see the candle lights for All-Saints Day. Then we made a late night stop at Aunt Jobe's supermarket. I waited for a long time for a van, gave up, and did the hike up to Green Hill.
Sunday - I had a nice lazy day in Green Hill.

Week of 10/20 - The Swearing in to Peace Corps Ceremony

10/20 Swearing in ceremony. Met the Governer-General (Sir Frederick Ballantyne). Lovie made fun of me for lip syncing part of the Vincy National Anthem. We stopped by the Peace Corps office, then headed to Beachcombers. I think there were over 20 of us there swimming, right near Young Island. Went home; made up a big batch of pasta/chunks/veggie soup.
10/21 Did laundry, tried to install internet, continued cleaning apartment. Went by Liberty Lodge. Went up to Todd’s to call Haley. Chesley came by, and we talked for a while.
10/22 Continued setting up my apartment. Went to Liberty Lodge for a while.
10/23 Went by Peace Corps office to sort out rent AND to fill out my absentee ballot. Barack Obama. Walked through Victoria Park to see the National Youth Rally.
10/24 Went to a Youth Enterprise Business training in Biabou.
10/25 Met with the SVG PLUS Organization at the Marion House to discuss HIV/AIDS issues. Cleaned up my apartment. Shawn and Noah crashed at my place in preparation for the Mustique trip.
10/26 Mustique Party Boat. It was a big ferry, but the put speakers, a bar, and a bbq on there. We went to Macaroni Bay, which has a beautiful beach.

Week of 10/13 - Moving into my new apartment

10/13 Uncle Ben gave me a ride into town w/Rodley. Sessions on project management and disaster preparedness. Had a veggie roti from Rainbow Palace. Took van back home. Walked to the Haynes house to watch some of the Sox game. Showed them a little more on the computer. Stopped by Todd’s on the way home.
10/14 LLBTC – finished typing up the 1st draft of the Sports program project. Met Mr. Sandy.
10/15 Class in town. Called Dad. Watched the debate.
10/16 PAYE Seminar at Youth Dept – Flooding in town, big waves.
10/17 Walked to last day of class. Bought coconut bread/scones at the bakery. Test. Met up w/Eileen. Shopped w/other volunteers. Had veggie patty for lunch from Bickles, while liming in hetitage. Bought Tupperware and a transformer. Moved books to new apt. Ate bakes (fried flour w/nutmeg and raisins) from Mrs. Haynes.

10/18 – Packed up, did laundry. Got bit by the dog. Made chunks with rice and cucumber for lunch. Moved into new apt. Went to Food City to do my first grocery shopping. Banana and peanut butter crackers for dinner. Watched the Sox game in Redemption-Sharpes at Sister Louis’ house.
10/19 Got fresh bread from Mrs. Haynes/Shannelle, as I woke up. Banana and corn flakes in soy milk for breakfast. Checked email at Todd’s to see that the Sox had won. Stopped by Mrs. Charles place to buy some bread, and she gave me a loaf for free. Had lunch upstairs with the Wynnes. Then cleaned the apartment.

Week of 10/6

10/6 Dulces after class. Sat on Todd’s porch to watch updates for Sox game on the internet.
10/7 LLBTC – Set up Ms. Roberts’ computer. Taught Mr. Browne how to use email. Played tennis with Mr. Akers at the National Tennis Center. Had Sop (chunks w/sauce).
10/8 Class. Went to Agricultural Exhibition. Called Haley. Had chunks w/ketchup/sweet pepper sauce and macaroni.
10/9 Met with Moses at the Youth Department to discuss Youth Month, LLBTC, and various projects in Green Hill. Lunch on Paul’s Ave at Kye’s Restaurant – macaroni pie with lentils and callaloo. Saw Mr. Browne and Mrs. Arrindell on Bay St. They gave me a ride up to LLBTC. I got the school schedule and helped to set up the internet on both of their computers. Did 100 pushups.
10/10 Walked to class. Bought some coconut/scone bread at the bakery. Cookies and cream peanut butter and guava jam sandwich. Went to bank to get ATM card. Walked around with other PCVs. Walked back up to GH to the Haynes’ house. Had some Jamaican plums, played games with the kids, practiced singing the Vincy national anthem. Went to the Wynns’ house to see my future apartment. Luckily, they have a washing machine. Walked back home to make macaroni and chunks with jerk seasoning. Walked back to the Haynes house. Had a fried gluten sandwich. Watched the Sox game 1 of the ALCS (Dice-K won 2-0) during big rain storm. Showed Ben and Stephanie how to do some things on their new computer.

10/11 Meditated/worked out. Did 100 pushups. Made beans/rice + veggies w/Kerene and Kimberly. Went to Todd’s to watch the Florida Gators football game and the Sox-DRays game, which went 11 innings and ended after 1:30 AM
10/12 Slept in, rainy day, stayed in all day. Worked out. Read some of Dr. Adams’ National Treasures. Mapped out all of the petroglyphs on the island. Watched Spiderman 3.

Week of 9/29

9/29 Session w/Andrew Simmons. Got doubles for lunch and for the others. Last PACA session. Took nap, Jeffrey called to say that Cool wanted me to switch back to my internship on Tuesday, instead of going on the Heritage Tour of the Leeward coast. Went by Todd’s to use internet. Helped tutor Tristan at the GHSCC, while Todd and Samantha tutored other kids. Used the internet some more with Chesley there.
9/30 LLBTC – showed Margo around the campus. Started putting the sports programme project together. Watched the kids build mini chairs using clothespins. Played tennis with Mr. Akers at the National Tennis Centre, near Villa. Stopped at a busy grocery store on the way back, and had a Hairoun Bitter Lemon. Had chunks with rice with spicy seasoning for dinner.
10/1 Cornflakes and biscuits (crackers) in hot soy milk for breakfast. PC Training – HIV/AIDS Community Prevention class, bought some coconut bread/scone things from the bakery, teaching session, budget session from Mollie, went to liquor store w/Ann, went to Voyager to buy blank cd/dvd’s. Vincy Tortilla for dinner.
10/2 Laundry, 85 push ups, (grilled) cheese sandwiches, crackers w/cookies and cream peanut butter. LLBTC – interviewed people about HIV/AIDS education. Rainbow over Green Hill. Made some soup with chunks, macaroni and onions with Kerene.
10/3 Corn flakes for breakfast, plus Kerene made some cheese sandwiches. Training class – debrief w/Cool and Margo, X-cultural session, bought some ginger/coconut bread at the bakery, HIV/AIDS prevention video and training. Stopped by internet café, bought newspaper at Tokyo, took Veira’s van up to Green Hill. Phyllis was on board. I helped her bring her groceries into her house. I then stopped by the Haynes’ house, since Kerene was there. Walked home. Talked to Todd. He said he would give a call back once he woke up from his nap. Watched a Henry Rollins DVD. Todd didn’t call back, so I called him. Stephanie and Shelby answered his phone in Heritage Sq. I watched Blood Diamond.

10/4 Went to Mount Wynn Beach w/Haynes Family and Aunty Katy. Along the way, the wheel on Ben’s jeep caught on fire due to a brake problem. Went swimming, threw the football around, smashed some Vincy almonds open, had some rice/veggies/chunks cooked with a beachside fire. Tried Mauby and Fruit Cocktail Soda. Ben instructed a workout for us as the waves splashed at our feet. Swam some more, and then we headed home. Ben’s jeep started to overheat along the back.
After relaxing a bit, we went by the Haynes house. Watched baseball playoffs, played some computer games, and had some delicious pizza and Lipton tea for dinner. They gave me a couple of sugar apples to take home.

10/5 Watched some movies in the morning. Wrote up NGO/Institution Assessment. Watched Sox lose 12-inning game while at Todd’s house.

Week of 9/22

9/22 Ride from Kim to Stony Ground School. Walked to Adult Education unit for class.
Helen from St. Lucia was there. Had discussion on potential sources of project
funding with Andrew Simmons. Avocado sandwich for lunch. After PACA session, we met with the cell phone salesperson. I talked to Helen for a while about my assignment
at LLBTC. Saw Lovie and Kim outside; we went grocery shopping together. I cooked up
some chunks with peas and rice for dinner. We watched Batman: Dark Night.
9/23 - Internship at Liberty Lodge BTC. Mrs. Wilson asked me to teach Raja and
Harris about angles. Jeffrey and Helen from Peace Corps stopped by and I showed
Helen around. We sat down to speak to Mr. Akers. After Helen left, Mr. Akers and I
went to the Ministry of Sports in town to meet with Nelson Hillocks. We discussed
many possibilities for sports at LLBTC. Mr. AKers introduced me to the people in
some of the other divisions (Gender Affairs, Community Development.) I grabbed a
double (wheat wraps with crushed chick peas and various sauces - pepper, golden
apple, and mango), and took a van back up to LLBTC. After lunch, I spent more time
with Raja and Harris to teach them angles. I then updated the antivirus software on
the computers. I watched the boys warming up to play the pan drums.
Kerene and I walked down towards Kim's parents house (Stephanie and Ben), and Anna
gave us a ride there in her car. Saw Kimberli, Shanelle and Janelle. Had some cherry/ginger juice.
9/24 Anna gave me a ride halfway to town. Did laundry, had roti for dinner (made by Lovie), went by Todd’s to use internet. Hung out with Chesley on the porch while I called Dad to say happy birthday. Also talked to Deborah and Billy.
9/25 Had sugar apple (like an apple with small green dreadlocks) with breakfast. Shadowing: Met with Faustina Lewis at the Youth Department. Discussed the upcoming Youth Month activities. Ann and Shawn were both there. Shawn and I went up to the Peace Corps office to talk to Mr. Cool. We then walked over to the Rasta Ranch for their “cook-up” lunch. Talked to Latoya. On my way to the Post Office, Shawn got harassed by some random guy, I ran into Vicky, then I ran into Sharon. Van back up to GH. Hung out w/Kerene and took some of my laundry off of the line. Had chunks and potatoes with rice and black-eyed peas for dinner.
-Went to Andrew Simmons’ lecture about Doc Earl Kirby at the National Trust Museum. Ann was also there. Walked most of the way back up to GH, when a van brought me up to the Plan. Said hi to Chesley before heading home.
9/26 Stopped by Liberty Lodge. During workout, did 65 pushups. Interview w/Cool. Got a Cell phone. Lovie's Dad's (Bobby) Bday – party delayed. Climbed coconut tree. Blackwine.

9/27 Vans to Chateaubelair. Richmond. Cliff diving and swimming. Party at Bobby’s house. Winding. A lady asked me for $20 after she had showed me some dance moves. It seemed very inappropriate.
9/28 Watched an adult baptism at Golden Age Center in the river. It was a great experience. Church in Byrea. Lunch at the Haynes’ house (macaroni pie, breadfruit salad, okra, zaboca, etc) Did 75 pushups.

Week of 9/15

9/15 Class. Got a double at lunch. After working out, had some nice potato, pasta,
and black-eyed peas with all-sorts of Caribbean seasoning.
9/16 LLBTC, Tried a golden apple. Went to Benjamin's 54th birthday party. Had
Mackeson, mango, listened to the girls sing gospel music by the road and had a icy-
pop. dinner-rice, beans, roasted veggies, roasted breadfruit, breadfruit salad (like
potato salad), salad, Smalta, Apple Ju-c.
9/17 Class in K-town. Had some bread pudding from Steve and Shannon. Took Veira's van up from town. Wrote my 1st letter to Mrs. Harris' 6th Grade Class. I did 50 push-
ups, my new personal record. Lovie made pizza w/bread slices and some veggies.
9/18 Saw Leigh, Ann, Vicky, and Laura at the Peace Corps office. Mollie arrived, and
Leigh and I walked with her to the Special Needs School on the Back Street. We held
an art class for the kids. We used our shoes to trace an outline of a fish, then
used finger paints to color them in. The kids there have various disabilities,
including Down Syndrome and hearing impairment. I saw Bev from the Ministry of
Education (I think), who'll be helping get more resources at the LLBTC (Liberty
Lodge Boys Training Center). We then walked to Dulces near Heritage Square for
soursop smoothies. Soursop is a large green fruit, with dark bumps on it, and tastes
great. Mollie showed us where Geary's grocery store is. I looked for the Venezuelan
Embassy, where they hold Spanish courses, but I couldn't find it. Since it was cool
and rainy, I walked back up to Green Hill. Talked to Chesley and Moses. Stopped by
Todd's place for a quick visit, as his dog was sick. At home, watched a beautiful
sunset with Kerene.
9/19 Field Trip to Georgetown. Left PC Office late, picked up most of other PCVs
along the way in the rain (in the Scorpio van.) Had to take some backroads to avoid
some rockslides. Stopped at a Seniors home at black point in Georgetown, but no one
was there. We then went to marion house, which was under construction. 3 Volunteers
were waiting for us at St. Benedict's home for children with special needs. The kids
played pan for us, which was excellent. We ate our lunches at Blackpoint beach. On
the windy drive home, we drove through Mesopotamia. The trip ended back at the PC
Office. A few of us went to DLime at Heritage Sq. for an hour or 2. Went back up
Green Hill.

9/20 Watched Hot Fuzz. Went to Daika and Sueann's wedding in Questelles. Was held at
an Evangelical Church. The pastor talked about how he was against gay and lesbian
marriages, moments after talking about how important unity is in today's world. Went
to the Reception down the road. They had several toasts, and then let many people
say a few words to the Bride and Groom. The MC was a relative of Daika. The DJ
played some soft music and then some fun music during dinner. I had rolls, potato
salad, macaroni pie, veggies, potatoes, etc
Stopped by KFC, Kim's parents house to pick up Kerene. Went home, and I had some
black cake from the wedding.
9/21 Had some horse mango for breakfast. Played Kerene at dominoes, with a horse
mango as the prize. Met up with Todd. We had lunch at his homestay w/Eileen, Mr. &
Mrs. Wynn, and Courtney (Big Daddy Kane). Courtney told us about his troubles
getting home the night before, due to a rock slide across the road near Green Hill.
We sat on the porch discussing Organic vs. Chemical farming while it poured. Went to
Todd's place to watch the Red Sox and check my email. Went home for dinner after
stopping by Chesley's place. Went down to the bar to play pool w/Todd+Samantha, but
it was closed. We went by Keith's shop and had some Hairoun, then some Carib.

St. Vincent - Week 2

9/8 Had corn flakes with strawberry soy milk for breakfast. Made 2 avocado
sandwiches to take for lunch. Kim dropped me off in town, I then walked to Adult
Educ. Unit. The Institutional/NGO group met with Andrew Simmons to discuss St.
Vincent's Politics, Economics, Social, Technological, and Enviromental issues, then
a SWOT analysis. Had my sandwich javascript:void(0)and some homemade local cherry juice. We presented our community maps and learned about interviewing community members. Took Vera's van back up to GH. Stopped at Todd's to discuss the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup day, and our plan to head to Chateaubelair for a weekend. Walked home, did my homework, and read some of the EC Lonely Planet. Helped prepare dinner. Had a stew of local sweet potato, pasta shells, and chunks. It was delicious.
9/9 After meditation and exercise, had corn flakes, crackers (biscuits) with butter
or peanut butter plus some avocado. Internship at Liberty Lodge. Spoke to Mr. Akers.
Observed Mrs. Ralph talk to the kids about using the bathrooms and not destroying
electrical outlets. Talked to Mr. Joseph at the woodshop. Talked to Mr. Browne. Had
avocado sandwich for lunch. Went to computer lab, where Alex and Iona were. Worked
on updating the software on the computers. Talked to Mrs. Brown-Arrindell, the
counselor for the kids and parents. Met the volunteer from Hungary. Then walked over
to the GHSCC Library, but Todd wasnt there. Went to Keith's shop to buy some snacks.
Saw Keon and Chesley at the GHSCC. Went back to the house. Helped Kerene w/her
homework. We walked down to Todd's and the shop, but couldn't find Todd. Saw Chesley after he had played futball. Zoe was there too. Walked back, and had leftover sweet potato, chunks, and shells. Read guide to playing harmonica and practiced a little
bit.
9/10 Class in town. Had training on lecture vs. group discussion styles of teaching.
1st Aid training and Mental Health/Stress Reduction training. Went to Keith's Shop
with Kerene to buy stuff for Lovie's bday.
9/11 House of Hope. Rose Hall Primary School - Gave presentation to 4th + 5th
Graders in the Town Hall about HIV/AIDS prevention. Took bus to Chateaubelair, and
then back to Peace Corps Office.
For Lovies Birthday, we went to her dad's house in Largo Heights. I cut open a
coconut with a cutlass. They made a vodka and coconut water drink. We had a "lime"
on the porch for most of the evening, Lovie's dad talked about how he has kids with
12 different women. Renica, Lovie, Kerene, Kim, Kim's dad + girlfriend. Dinner took
a long time, but was good (breadfruit and chunks.) Benjamin came by to help Kim
w/the car due to a dead battery.
9/12 Class in town. We learned more Vincy Dialect. "Par ay yo go?" which means,
"Where are you going?" Went to Heritage Sq. for some lunch w/the other volunteers.
The cart that sells double wasn't there, so we got veggie roti from the Spicy Roti
truck. We saw Mrs. Olivier, and she showed us good places for roti and doubles.
After class, Leigh, Shawn, Stephanie, and I walked to the bus terminal in the rain.
We went to Questelles to go to Mollie's bday party. The bus conductor pointed us in
the wrong direction. We finally got to Mollie's place. We played flip cup with
jungle juice. There were chips, guacamole, and chex mix. We went down to the beach
for a moonlight swim. Some of the group swam out to a moored boat. Todd just swam
off. Back at Mollie's house, I played my 1st game of beer pong (using jungle juice).
Mollie made fresh quesadillas, while Molly made fresh guacamole. I Walked down to
the beach to tell Todd that there was food at the house. As the group started
playing dominoes, I walked to the main road through Camden Park to catch one of the
last buses. The bus terminal in town was closed for the night, so I started walking
up to Green Hill. After 10 minutes, the last van of the night brought me home. Got
home at about 10:30 PM. Fell asleep around 11:30. At 4AM, Lovie knocked on my door
to see if I was home. She had called Todd earlier wondering where I was (when I was
home all along).
9/13 Bread w/grapefruit marmalade for breakfast. Helped Kim replace the battery
terminals in his car. Exercised, helped Kerene with her homework. Shaved. Lentils,
chunks, potatoes, and dumplings for lunch. Nap. Kim drove me to town. Took a van
towards Arnos Vale Sports Field, but got off at Joshua airport by accident. Had to
walk around to get to the field. Saw Leigh, Stephanie, Gary and Molly there. Molly
looked at me as if she had just seen a ghost. She told me the story of how everyone
thought I was lost the night before.
We did an aerobics demonstration out on the field during the Wellness Revolution. We
walked around the info booths, and got a variety of samples of local breads. I tried
5-finger (star fruit) and lime juice. I saw Kim, who later played the national
anthem before the speeches started. Before the speeches, they had demonstrations for
Tae Kwon Do, Soccer, Tennis, Rugby, and boxing. Tried the ginger "beer," and had
some plum rose, banana/cinnamon sort of cake. I saw the 3 European volunteers from
Liberty Lodge Training Center. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves gave a speech about
health in St. Vincent. Mr. Akers was there, and he gave me a ride back to Green
Hill.
Went to Todd's to use the internet. Tried Lovie's homemade Ginger "beer". Watched
Kung Fu with Lovie.
9/14 Did Laundry. Went by Todd's in the afternoon. Watched them play a dodge game
with an American football.

Week of 9/1 - PST Begins

9/1 Walked w/ Kim to get bus to 1st day of PST training. Received bug net and
medical kit. After training, Kim picked me up. I took a nap, then we talked on the
porch. I showed them photos. We made callaloo with chunks, green sauce, ketchup,
veggies, garlic, onion, and rice. We watched Enemy of the state together.
9/2 Shaved, showered, and headed down to town on van. Opened bank account at RBTT,
and saw many other PCV's there. We walked around the shops, and then to the waterfront. A few went to lunch, and the rest of us walked down to the ferry/cruise liner port. We saw Cheslie from Green Hill. We got maps and brochures from the Ministry of Tourism.
Took a van back up to Green Hill Plan. Had leftover callaloo. Kerene came home while I was playing some harmonica. We went down to Todd's to pump up the football. We all
went down to the football (soccer) field to play some American football. Many of the
local kids joined us. Afterwards, by the small library, Lovie came up in a van very
worried about Kerene and I, since I did not answer my US cell phone. We assured her
that we were fine all along, and she headed back to work. Keon showed me a little
bit about cricket batting. We walked back up to the house. I started a load of
laundry. I went by Todd's place to use the internet, then back up to the house. I
had chips (french fries) then a peanut butter sandwich for dinner. I then hung all
my wet clothes out on the line in the dark, with Angel barking at me.
9/3 PST at the Adult Education Unit on Middle St. After class, several of us went to
an internet cafe. I then shopped around for hangers, tissues, a sharpie, and some q
-tips. I ran into Kim at the bus terminal. I took the van back up. I played dominoes
with Kerene. I had some spicy chunks w/rice for a late lunch. I exercised as Kerene
tried to imitate me. I shaved, while Kerene was enthralled by my laptop. I had cup
of instant rice for dinner with a glass of sugary fruit drink. Read my Dalai Lama
book as I waited for Todd's radio show. His show never came on...perhaps I had the
wrong station on.
9/4 Lovie walked me to the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Center. Met Mr. Othniel
Browne, who introduced me to the other staff members and gave me a tour of the
campus. I spent a couple of hours in the computer lab, getting the interned up and
running, and getting a couple of the computers to work. Walked back home. Had
avocado (zaboca) and veggie sandwich. Made "Callaloo Cook-Up" with Lovie and Auntie Katy. Asked about the vans and taxis. Walked around Green Hill to do community mapping. Went to Kim's parents' house and had some 5-finger juice (starfruit). They picked some passion fruit for us, and gave us a breadfruit. Stopped at Todd's and saw Cheslie and Jaron. Walked home, met Renica (Lovie's sister). Jaron followed us. Went back to Todd's to skype the family. Back home to eat the callaloo. Played cards with Kerene.
9/5 Walked to Kingstown after not being able to find a van. Had some great bread
pudding made by Steve and Shannon. Learned some Vincy Dialect. Had a panel
discussion with the EC77 volunteers. Went to Lime Bar in Heritage Sq. w/many other
volunteers (EC78, Todd, Molly, Molly, Katie, Kate, Dane, Marco, Amy, Lara, Laura,
Brendon. ) Met Laird from Canada. We took part in the Lime in Heritage Sq. Had some
Richie's Fries, saw Kim, listened to Soca and Reggae blasting through the speakers.
Went back up to GH w/Todd. I heated up some callaloo and watched Office Space and
some Simpsons.
9/6 Went to PC Office for EAP meeting. Took van back up to GH. Todd, Kim, Kerene,
Kerry, and I drove up towards Mt. St. Andrews. we hiked to the top. On the way back
down, we had some plum rose. When we got home, we had some some chunks with
breadfruit and dumpling (wheat flour). Did some exercising. Watched The Matrix.
9/7 Watched The Matrix Reloaded. Finished drawing my community map. Had lunch -
blackeyed peas with rice, carrot, and baked beans. Walked to Todd's to see if the
Pat's game was on, but only the Texans v. Steelers was on. Chesley came by, and we
jogged down to the catholic church. Todd and Chesley kept jogging, while I rested my
knees. A drunk guy accused me of being from the CIA. We hiked back up to GH, as Kim
drove by us. Watched highlights of the Patriots victory, checked my email. Todd gave
me some freshly picked avocado to bring home. Had some leftovers from lunch for
dinner.

St. Vincent - 1st day of Pre-Service Training.

-Walked w/ Kim to get bus to 1st day of PST training.
-Received bug net and medical kit. After training, Kim picked me up.
-I took a nap, then we talked on the porch. I showed them photos. We made callaloo with chunks, green sauce, ketchup, veggies, garlic, onion, and rice.
-We watched Enemy of the State.

-Meditated and exercised w/Kerene.
-Watched Pirates of Caribbean 3. Nap, then blowing bubbles on the deck.
-Went to Cheslie's house w/Todd. Then went to basketball court to play with the kids. Went to meet some of the locals. Checked email at Todd's place w/Cheslie.
-Fresh baked bread, chunks w/lentils and macaroni pie for dinner. Played pool w/Todd and some of the locals (Dwight, Moses) at the local bar. Listened to plenty of reggae.

Arrival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fly to St. Vincent. After warm welcome from current PCVs, including Todd in a cape, drove to Police Band Building with host family (Kim, Lovie, and Kerene). Went to my new house in Green Hill. We went to Foodcity to get groceries. They bought me soy milk, peanut butter and chunks. St. Vincent is a beautiful island, with lush, green mountains. Kingstown is full of interesting streets and beautiful churches.
For dinner, I had rice and a Caribbean curry w/soy chunks. Then we watched Dancehall Queen (Jamaica) and Why I Got Married.

Day 3 of Peace Corps Orientation/Training

Last day of orientation. Local music and dancing at dinner. Went to Stress Off Bar near the Pastoral Centre.

St. Lucia Peace Corps Training

Peace Corps training all day. Got to try the star fruit, guava, and breadfruit.

Arrival in St. Lucia

-Group Leader for bus ride. Checked into flight. Lunch w/Desmond, Shawn, and Rachel. Last phone calls home.
-Flight to St. Lucia. Sat next to Alisa. Good view of Piton mountains.
-Bus ride to Pastoral Retreat Center. Told jokes and used mic as tour guide.
-Dinner w/noodles, salad, and fruit-like potato-like (green fig) salad. Ice cream w/watermelon slices in it.
-Played a fun game of Texas Hold 'Em w/Jim, Alisa, and Kelly.

Miami Day 2

-PC orientation, Lunch at Subway w/Shawn, Ashley, and Melaney. Story telling w/sponge bob,
volunteered as group leader (to get everyone to the airport).
-Pizza + Presidente outside by pool. Hot tub. A few phone calls before leaving the country.

Peace Corps Staging in Miami, Florida

-Early flight from Logan to Miami. Hotel shuttle w/Jason.
-Lunch in hotel, then Peace Corps orientation - Bingo; draw our fears; and things looking forward to.
-Dinner at Cafe Versailles (Cuban).
-Cribbage and Presidente in 6th Floor Lobby with Haley, Leigh, Jason, Shelby, and Desmond.

Last day at home before Peace Corps

Lunch w/Grandpa, Lisa at Uncle Artie's.
-Grasshopper w/Lisa, Billy, Jason.
-Harmonica from Daddy's junky music. Books from Barnes + Noble.
-Packed and said goodbye to Lisa, Billy, Bryan, and Joelle.

Party at Lisa's Place

-A combined housewarming and farewell party at Billy and Lisa's house. Got to say goodbye to most of my family, and many of my friends. Played wiffleball, the ring toss game, and plenty of Nintendo Wii.

Saturday Fun

-Hiked up Blue Hill and then along the Skyline Trail w/Jason, Paul, and Mandy.
-Lunch at Emma's Pub.
-Dinner at My Thai in Brookline w/Martha and Paul.
-Shantel and Jared's (Jack's) House Party in Cambridge.

Tim's Bday at the Charlie Horse

G. Love and Special Sauce

-Went to the G. Love and Special Sauce show with Lisa, Billy, Deborah, and Jason at the B.O.A. Pavillion. John Butler Trio opened and rocked the house. Jason danced with some older girls.

Camping Trip in Vermont

-Drove up in the rain with Billy, Lisa, Deborah, and Mike. When we arrived at Coolidge State Park, Luke, Sarah, and Martha had the campfire raging for us.
-Overly-strict park rangers made us move our tents.
-Went hiking in Quechee Gorge.
-Visited the Long Trail Brewery.
-Hiked in the State Park, and had to deal with the overly strict rangers. (Is it wrong to walk on to an empty campsite to take a photo of the mountains?)
-Relaxed by the campfire, while listening to campfire appropriate music.
-Went to Burlington. Dinner at Vermont Pub & Brewery. Went to the Vermont Lake Monsters minor league baseball game. I ran into Brian from Trek America while at the game. He had been working at some resort near Burlington all summer.
-Went to the waterfront of Lake Champlain. Drove back to Malden. Took the T to the Sox game. Met up with Tim. We watched the Sox beat the Rangers 19 to 17. It was probably the craziest baseball game I have ever been to.

Back to Biotech!

-Started 3+ weeks of consulting for Lonza Biologics in Hopkinton. I was able to work with many former co-workers from Amgen.

Plymouth, MA

-Hanging out at the beach and the cottage with the family.

Karla's 30th Bday Party

Painting

-Spent 4 days painting my step-sister's house, since I hadn't had a job in 11 months.

Stan + Gigi's going away party for Greg

Stayed up till 2 AM talking about music with Stan!

July 4th Weekend

-Golf with the family.
-Party at Luke and Sarah's in Connecticut. Texas Hold 'Em.
-Party at Steve & Paige's place. Wiffleball and fireworks.
-Red Sox game w/Dad. Dice-K beat the Twins.

Road Trip to Maryland

-Josh Ritter's Concert w/the Boston Pops at the Boston Symphony Hall.
-Overnight drive to MD, then visited Christina in the hospital.
-Greg's graduation party, then out for Mexican food.
-Cade's christening, then a clean shave from Aunt Mary. She put on an African dress and hat for the occasion.
-Dinner at the Inner Harbor.
-Liberty State Park to see the Statue of Liberty w/Lisa and Billy.
-Rock Bottom Brewery in Braintree for my Birthday (answered Judd's 101 questions about Mt. Everest Base Camp.)

Chatta Box in B'water

Thai food w/Joel, Carla, Lisa, Billy.

Trivia Night at the Nutty Irishman

PawSox

2 Pawtucket Red Sox games in one weekend. Plus Emma's Pub.

Cairo to Boston

-Took bus to Cairo Airport. A traffic police officer tried to get me to pay 20 pounds to get to Terminal 2, instead of waiting a few minutes for the FREE shuttle.
-Arrived back in USA at JFK Airport. Took flight back to Boston (1st time watching tv in weeks).
-Mom and Jason picked me up at Logan, and we headed straight to the Grasshopper in Allston to meet up with Lisa, Billy, and Bryan. I ordered the Happy Family special.

Alexandria and Cairo

Last full day on the road - 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days after going from CT to Boston, back to CT. -Woke up w/beautiful view of the Mediterranean.
-Athineos Cafe for breakfast. Saw Khartoum Column. Graeco-Roman Museum was closed.
-Went to Bibliotheca Alexandria, w/"Death Star" Planetarium. Amazing library and museum.
-Train back to Cairo. Visited Old Cairo/Coptic Cairo. Saw the Hanging Church, built on top of Roman Towers in the 7th Century. After paying some baksheesh, walked outside to see the Roman Towers.
-Walked down alley w/St. George Convent, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and St. Barbara's Church. Supposedly, Moses, Jesus, and Mary have all visited this place.
-Back to Lialy Hostel.
-Dinner at Estoril - hummus, pita, eggplant.
-Ran into Yosra at internet cafe. Went to Zahnet al-Bustan for Karkadeh and Sheesha(which never came).
-Went to El-Abd Bakery for baklava.
-Midan Orabi for apple sheesha and karkadeh.

Cairo and Alexandria

Al-Azhar Mosque, built in 970 AD. Mr. Muhammed gave me a great summary of Islam, plus some informative booklets.
-Walked to Midan Hussein. Bought a papyrus painting in Khan Al-Khalili. Stopped at Fishawi's Coffeehouse (Ahwa) for the famous mint shai.
-Walked through Islamic Cairo.
-Train to Alexandria. Roman Amphitheater. Sunset over the Mediterranean Sea along the Corniche near Fort Quitbey (former site of the Pharos Tower, one of the 7 Ancient Wonders Of The World.)
-Checked into Hotel Crillon w/beautiful views of the sea.
-China House for dinner on top of the famous Cecil Hotel (Sofitel). Met Eman and Manar there.
-Jumped off a moving bus, then saw the Mohammed Ali Statue (not the boxer). Many little kids playing in the square after 11 PM!
-Watched Italy beat France in the EuroCup match while at the Cap d'Or bar.

Dahab, Egypt

Dahab, Egypt

-Coloured Canyon Jeep and Hiking trip. Lunch at a Bedouin desert oasis. Hikes some more and ended with some rock climbing.
-Got a really sick stomach again, so I skipped the overnight trip to Mt. Sinai + St. Katherine's Monastery.

Dahab, Egypt

-Swam along coral reef in Red Sea, then walked along the boardwalk. Had views of Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
-Back to Penguin for some Bedouin Tea.
-Nirvana India for some Punjab Chole. Then tried the peach sheesha.

Dahab, Egypt

Bus stopped many times during the night. Brief stop at Sharm-El-Sheikh.
-Arrived in Dahab w/Luciano, Flavio, and Yosra. Rode in back of pick up truck to Penguin Village.
-Koshari for dinner, and watched the European Cup match while sitting by the Red Sea.

Luxor

-Medinat Habu Temple
-The Ramesseum
-Last lunch w/Neil+Kerry at Amoun Restaurant
-Overnight bus to Dahab.

Luxor

-Karnak Temple
-Felucca sailboat trip on the Nile at sunset.
-Bombay Restaurant for British/Indian curry. They gave us a free bottle of Egyptian wine!
-Oum Koulsoum Coffee Shop for some apple sheesha (Egyptian water pipe).

Luxor - Valley of the Kings!

-West Bank Tour w/Kerry and Neil - Colossi of Memnon; Temple of Hatshepsut; Valley of the Kings - King Tut's Tomb, plus Ramses III, IV, and Seti I; Alabaster Statue Shop; Valley of the Queens - Tomb of Queen Titi and tomb of Amunherkhepshef.
-Motorboat ride back to East Bank.
-King's Head Pub with Karen and Neil.
-Luxor Temple - lost my glasses!
-Jamboree for a dinner. Ran back to Luxor Temple to get my glasses, but they could not find them.

Aswan to Luxor, Egypt

-Kom Ombo Temple
-Edfu - Temple of Horus
-Luxor Temple

Aswan and Temples of Abu Simbel

3:00 AM bus ride to Abu Simbel, near Sudan border.
-Amazing temples - Ramses II and Hathor, right along Lake Nasser.
-Sunset felucca (sailboat) ride along Elephantine Island and the Old Cataract Hotel (site of Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile".) Almost crashed into concrete steps along the dock. I got to steer the boat for a while.

Aswan, Egypt

-Train ride along the Nile.
-Sharia as-Souq Market.
-Fatimid Cemetery, via local, Muslim neighborhood.
-Nubian museum, next to the Coptic Cathedral.
-Walked along Nile to Aswan Moon for Pizza. Met w/Felucca Captain Ahmed.

Cairo - Overnight Train

Cairo

-Sick the whole day

Cairo and Giza

Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, Step Pyramid, Great Pyramids....and the Sphinx!

Cairo, Egypt

Egyptian Museum and Sheesha (hukka)

Doha, Qatar and Cairo, Egypt

Delhi

Iskon Temple - Vedic Expo

Delhi

City Bus Tour

Delhi, India

-Rikhi Ram Music Shop - met Ajay Dass and talked about the Beatles and the visit by Jeremy Pivens.
-Jama Masjid Mosque
-Mohatma Ghandi Museum
-I drove a cycle rickshaw to give the driver a break

Tushita Meditation Center - Mantras, Monks, Meditation, and Monkeys!

Spent May 20th to 29th at a 10-day Intro to Buddhism Course. Possibly the best thing I have ever done in my life!
http://tushita.info/
It was a great experience to learn about and practice meditation and yoga. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, India

Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, India

Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, India

Agra to Dharamsala

Agra and Taj Mahal and Fatehpuri Sikri

Varanasi to Agra

NJP to Varanasi

Gangtok to NJP

Yuksom to Gangtok

-Kathog Choling Monastery - huge Guru Rimboche statue, with many smaller statues connected by a string.
-Walked down to Kathog Lake w/Ran.
-Norbugang Throne...birthplace of Sikkim
-Roof of Choling/monastery
-Yak Restaurant - Zak (UK dude w/braids) and Simone (Swiss).
-Jeep Taxi to Tashiding, Rangit River, Rabangla, Tarku (met the locals while enjoying masala chai). Met a guy named Budha.
-Gangtok - called the Peace Corps to accept IT position in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
-Metro Veg for dosa and chel puri.

Khecheopari to Yuksom

-Met Pala's brother at restaurant near the lake.
-Hiked with Rani from Korea, past Kangchenjunga Falls, then up to Yuksom. Found hotel with great view. Checked email and got an invite to join the Peace Corps!
-At Yak Restaurant, a group of traveler's from Pala's place showed up. We all drank tomba out of big bamboo cups.

Khecheoperi Lake

-Watched the kids riding down the hill on a wooden cart with wheels, near the old Monastery.
-Hiked down to lake and back. Yakov and Janet from Malta showed up. Met Sophia from Portugal.
-Got a tour of the old Gompa, which was amazing, but falling apart.
-We all played Monopoly after dinner.

Pelling to Khecheopalri Lake

-Hiked down steep path to Rimbi River.
-After about 20 km of hiking, and a rainstorm, I arrived at Pala's Place at the top of the hill, above the lake. Stayed in Pala's son's guesthouse (Sonam). During dinner, had some rackshe with Sonam.

Pelling

-Woke up at sunrise with view of Khangchendzonga (8586m, 3rd highest mountain in world).
-Went to Shangka-Choling monastery, with great views of the mountain range. One young monk-in-training showed me around the prayer hall. Spoke to owner of the guesthouse up there over some masala chai. Went upstairs to see the Puja (prayer) w/an old monk hitting a drum, playing cymbals, chanting, and turning the pages of his Tibetan book.
-Hiked to Pemayangtse Monastery and then the ruins of Rabdentshe.
-Back at hotel, saw amazing sunset.

Gangtok to Pelling

-Veg Roll for breakfast, then took Jeep to Pelling. Met Yakov and Janet from Malta. Checked into the Kabur Hotel. The staff drew maps of how to hike to local areas.
-Dinner w/Noa (Israel) and Evelyn(Germany).

Gangtok + Rumtek

-During jeep ride, met Jake from UK. He gave me lots of good info on West Sikkim. After metal detector at entrance, we walked into the beautiful prayer hall of the Rumtek Monastery, with paintings and covered statues (Guru Rinboche?). Saw the golden stupa, with photos of the Dalai Lama and the 17th Karmapa, who is not being allowed to go to Rumtek Monastery by the Indian Government.
-Finally got a jeep back to Gangtok. Randomly saw Warren in an internet cafe. Went to Masala's for dinner with Warren, Paul, Allison.

Gangtok

-Baker's Cafe for breakfast - Ran into Megan and Emily and 2 American guys. The American guys had an Indian friend who pointed me towards a dentist. The dentist put my acrylic tooth back on for 300 Rupees (about $7.50).
-Walked to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Saw 1,000 year-old texts on Buddha's wisdom teachings. Also saw many Thangka paintings. Saw Allison and Paul there. We walked together to the Deorali Chorten Monastery, with a big stupa w/gold top, and monks chanting. The monks-in-training were not paying attention.

Darjeeling to Gangtok

-Bought some BBQ corn on the cob, and my plastic tooth/veneer from Thailand fell out while eating.
-Took Jeep taxi to Gangtok. Amazing views of the Teesta River along the way.
-After arriving in MG Marg, I ran into Warren, who I met in Darjeeling. Met his friends Allison and Paul from the Dragamon tour. Had dinner at the Golden Pagoda.

Darjeeling

-Bhutia Basty Monastery
-Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center - great photo exhibit on history of Tibet and of the refugees. Also very graphic images of the monks killed during the March protests in Tibet.
-Happy Valley Tea Plantation
-Ran into Lina and John along the Mall - we went for tea with a guy from Turkey at a small restaurant.

Darjeeling, India

-Joyride on the Himalayan Toy Train, after failing to exchange my Nepali Rupees for Indian Rupees. The toy train stopped at Batasia Loop/War Memorial/Eco Garden; then at Ghoom. The conductor said I didn't have enough time to walk to the Yiga-Choling Monastery and back, but I made it easily! But it was closed!
-On the ride back, the train de-railed near a gas station, next to some potentially unauthorized road construction. The workers used 2 old railroad ties and a rusted piece of old train track to slowly pry the train car back on to the tracks!
-Went to the Post Office, which was closed for parcels, but open for other business I guess. Ended up at a clothes shop to have them box up my stuff, cover it in cloth, sew it shut, and seal it in wax. The shop also had a full Mate set from Argentina. They exchanged my Nepali Rupees for me. I went back to the India Post Office, but they wouldn't send my package till the next day.
-Watched beautiful sunset at Glenary's while sipping Tea Darjeeling.
-Met up with Iftekhar and his Bangledesh friends. Shopped around the Mall Streets.
-Called Peace Corps to discuss vegetarianism and an IT opportunity instead of the Water Sanitization opportunity. The call cost me over 600 Rupees!

Lumbini to Indian Border (and Darjeeling)

-Bus arrived in Kakarvitta around 9 AM. Went thru border back into India.
-Bus to Siliguri (1 hr). Got permit for Sikkim state entry.
-Food for the 1st time in 26 hrs...dosa and dal curry.
-Jeep bus/taxi up to Darjeeling for 80 rupees. Along winding road, stopped halfway, and an Indian man bought us a round of chai tea.
-Arrived in Darjeeling, and hiked up to Andy's Guesthouse...33 hours after leaving Lumbini!
-Tried to exchange Nepali Rupees for Indian Rupees, but no one would do it for a reasonable rate.
-Met a couple of Americans (Megan and Emily) at the Guesthouse.
-Later, stopped at Glenary's to check the selection of sweets, and ran into the Americans. Then I went to Hasty Tasty for dinner. Then I ran into Iftekhar (Bangledesh), who I had met in the morning in Siliguri. Later on, the power went out while I was at an internet cafe during a thunder and lightning storm.